Cottage Insurance Questions and Answers
Q. What are some of the common claims associated with cottage insurance?
A. Vandalism and burglary is often seen with cottages as they are left unattended for long periods of time. Second to this are fire claims. This may be related to the fact that many cottages are heated by wood stoves and fireplaces and left unattended.
Q. Can you insure a cottage with a wood Stove?
A. Yes cottages heated by wood stoves can be insured as long as the stove is WETT certified and operated safely. For a list of WETT certified professionals
click here.
Q. Why is cottage insurance more expensive?
A. Many cottages lack year-round road access or are located far away from a responding fire hall. This makes it difficult for the fire department to make it in time before the cottage is a total loss in the event of a fire.
Q. Can you insure islands?
A. Yes, but they present unique challenges. Typically a cottage on an island has a higher rebuilding cost as there are additional costs for transporting materials and labour to it. There can also be higher debris removal costs as well. Island cottages should receive special treatment.
Q. Are boat houses insured?
A. Yes, boat houses are normally covered under "Coverage B, Other Structures". They could also require additional attention if they have living quarters. Consideration must also be given to other detached structures on the property such as cabins, bunk houses and garages.
Q. Do you need to have house insurance in order to otain cottage insurance?
A. Although many companies require that you have their home insurance with them before they will consider your cottage we do have companies that will provide stand-alone policies.
Q. Am I covered if I rent out my cottage?
A. Many policies do not allow renting and this could cause the denial of a claim. There are a few insurance providers that will allow renting for a small period of time.
Q. How much land can be insured under my cottage policy?
A. Many standard carriers will not write cottages with over 20 acreas of land. In these situations we like to look at hobby farm policies for coverage.
Q. Is my boat covered under my cottage policy?
A. Although most policies include some form of coverage for watercraft, it is usually for very low limits and for very small motors. You can choose to extend watercraft coverage off your policy for higher limits and larger motors, but a separate marine policy may provide broader coverage at more affordable rates.
